Bucs' Mike Williams stabbed, warrant issued for brother

Mar. 24, 2014
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. / Rob Foldy, USA TODAY Sports

by Bobby Lewis, USA TODAY Sports

by Bobby Lewis, USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA, Fla. â?? Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa after a spokeswoman with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says Williams was stabbed in the thigh at his home.

Cristal Bermudez Nunez said it happened Sunday afternoon. When deputies arrived, they reportedly found Williams suffering from a stab wound to his left thigh. He was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

Detectives say Williams' brother, Eric Baylor, stabbed him with a kitchen knife. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Williams has been in trouble with the law recently. He faces trespassing and criminal mischief charges after an incident in December and has had multiple domestic problems, including damaging neighbor's property.

His off-the-field issues have caught the attention of the Buccaneers' new head coach, Lovie Smith.

"There's a pattern here and it's disturbing. No one is bigger than this football team," Smith said in February. "He has to understand that. Have I been disappointed in Mike Williams? Of course," Smith added. "There's a standard. We're just not going to put up with it, no matter who it is.

"You have to be good on the field and off the field. Simple as that. And if you're not doing what you need to do one or the other, you have problems and that's where Mike has to take care of a few things."

Williams signed a $40 million contract last off-season.

The team released the following statement:

"We are aware of the situation that occurred at the residence of Mike Williams and are working with him and the authorities to get additional information. While we have limited knowledge at this time, our primary concern is for the safety and well being of all involved. We will refrain from further comment until we can get a better understanding of the situation."